Airtel Africa has announced a groundbreaking partnership with SpaceX to bring Starlink’s “Direct-to-Cell” satellite technology to the continent.
The deal, revealed on Tuesday, aims to provide mobile coverage to the most remote areas where traditional towers do not exist.
This innovative service allows standard smartphones to connect directly to satellites in orbit. Currently, the companies plan to go live with the service in 2026.
Bridging the Digital Divide in Africa
This strategic alliance covers all 14 of Airtel Africa’s markets, including Nigeria. The primary goal is to extend reliable connectivity to rural and underserved regions. Consequently, this will help close the digital divide for approximately 174 million customers.
The Rollout Plan:
- Phase 1 (2026): The initial launch will support text messaging and limited data for specific applications.
- Phase 2 (Future): A later phase will introduce high-speed broadband. These next-generation satellites can deliver data speeds up to 20 times faster than current standards.
Airtel noted that the deployment timeline depends on securing regulatory approvals in each country. By signing this deal, Airtel Africa becomes the first mobile operator on the continent to offer this specific Starlink service.
Leadership Reacts to the Collaboration
Sunil Taldar, CEO of Airtel Africa, emphasized that this technology will complement existing infrastructure rather than replace it.
“Airtel Africa remains committed to delivering a great experience by improving access to reliable mobile connectivity,” Taldar stated. He expressed excitement about the collaboration, noting it will establish a new standard for service availability. He also highlighted that the technology is perfect for challenging geographies where building towers is too difficult or expensive.
The Global Impact of Starlink Technology
Starlink currently operates the world’s largest satellite constellation. It has over 650 satellites dedicated to Direct-to-Cell technology in low-Earth orbit. This massive infrastructure delivers data, voice, and video to mobile “dead zones” globally.
Stephanie Bednarek, Starlink’s Vice President of Sales, discussed the project’s potential impact. She stated that for the first time, people in remote African areas will stay connected where terrestrial coverage cannot reach. Furthermore, she added that the agreement paves the way for faster access to essential digital services.
Global Precedents for Satellite Connectivity
This technology is already gaining momentum in other parts of the world:
- United States: T-Mobile has launched commercial services. This allows compatible phones to send texts and emergency alerts via satellite when they are out of tower range.
- Ukraine: Kyivstar has rolled out the service across large parts of the country. Ukraine is the first European nation to offer this to regular 4G users, starting with SMS services.
